The RMT union have criticised the trains running during the strike. Credit: ITV News

A rail union have called the train services running during the current 48-hour strike unsafe.

The RMT union, whose members are striking in a dispute over job losses, safety and buffet cars on new trains, say First Great Western's current emergency "skeleton service", is "dangerously overcrowded" and staffed by people without the right training.

The union say they will be taking this up formally.

First Great Western denied that the trains are overcrowded, and told us staff working on them are fully trained.

"We've got fully competent managers working on these trains who would normally manage the people who are striking.

"Our utmost priority is keeping people moving safely and as quickly as possible."

"Our approach to keeping trains moving during this process has been sanctioned by the Rail Safety Standards Board - we would not be able to run these services if it hadn't been."

London Underground bosses have contacted the conciliation service to help arrange fresh talks over the Tube pay dispute, which closed down the network today, causing travel misery for millions.

People queue for buses inside Liverpool Street Station Credit: PA

ACAS was asked to help get the two sides back around the negotiating table to avoid a repeat of the 24-hour strike.

TfL says the bus network is performing well, but traffic is heavy, and the rush hour was starting early for the second day in a row.

We thank Londoners for their patience today as we work hard to help them make their journeys.
It's been very busy, particularly on the bus and road networks, although many people are travelling outside peak hours and walking and cycling.
Our staff are working hard to help by providing maps, travel advice and other information.
We are, as we always have been, ready to talk at any time to sort out this dispute.

A spokesman from the Metropolitan Police said that while he was not aware of any reports, it would "make sense" with such large crowds in different areas today for them to factor any disruption into their policing.

Others said the roads were "mental" and many posted online details of their preparation to get to work.